Sample refers to a selection of individuals from a larger group.
In psychology, a "sample" is a group of individuals who are selected to participate in a research study. Samples are used in psychological research to collect data and to make inferences about a larger population based on the characteristics of the sample. Here are a few examples of how "sample" might be used in the field of psychology:
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Sample size: The sample size is the number of individuals in the sample. The larger the sample size, the more representative the sample is likely to be of the larger population.
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Sampling methods: There are several different methods that researchers can use to select a sample, including random sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling. The method used will depend on the research question and the characteristics of the population being studied.
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Sample characteristics: The characteristics of the sample, such as age, gender, and other demographic variables, can be important in understanding the relevance and generalizability of the findings from a research study.
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Bias in sampling: Bias in sampling refers to the presence of systematic error in the selection of the sample. Bias can occur if the sample is not representative of the larger population, leading to findings that are not generalizable to the population as a whole.